I reckon my favorite Lego set I've bought since my Dark Ages ended is the Mars Mission Clawtank (7697). Such a cool, futuristic design! You might remember I had fun with some alternate builds with it as well:

http://www.mocpages.com/moc.php/44944

So I've been meaning to build my own version of the Clawtank. Not really an upgrade but more of my interpretation of it. How would I design the vehicle if I was the client? I loved the idea but thought I'd streamline it and try to give it that near-future look, more realistic-looking robot arms, etc. I decided to downplay the weapons on it; I kept the laser but I imagine it being used to drill out rock samples for the claw to collect. It also features a sliding cockpit, front grader attachments and cargo racks on either side.

Mars survey team, complete with 'Curiosity' style robot :)

The cokpit slide back to reveal the sample buckets:

Actually the robot is my fave part of the whole thing! Still got him on my desk ):

Some work in progress shots:

Thanks for looking guys. And remember the Mocolympics is a few days away! I'll be judging this year, so be extra nice with your comments today, lol ;D

It is a bit Ice Planet 2002 in its styling, only this is much cooler!
PS - your profile is strikingly similar to mine in that you had a 10 year dark age and you're impressed with the variety of pteces available today. I too hate advertising (it's everywhere!) and love gentlemen's drinks! We're even in the same state. Vic sure has some Lego legends, doesn't it?! :-)

Great design and presentation! (loved the little added rocks) If it were a set, I'd buy it. You brought us back to the Mars stuff and then upped the ante on it! Great play features too! Nice one! ~ Chris.

Your feel for round aesthetic shapes and modest colouring are rarely seen in other builders styles, Shannon. The tank doesn't even have an alien cell or a turret and it STILL looks like a Mars Mission tank. And most important: it has great playable features. I'm loving it!

I'm not entering the MOCOlympics, soooo...
IT'S TERRIBLE! HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLY POST SUCH A MONSTER? HOW DARE YOU?! IT'S ALL IN RAINBOW MODE, AND IT'S FALLING APART! Anyway. Very cool. This is how they Mars Mission sets should have been made, although they were cool sets anyway. The checkers on the one tread are a good touch.
:)

This is the best MOC I've ever seen, the brilliance of it exceeds belief. You have the creativity of Karf Oohlu and the size skills of Kelso. ;) Seriously though, nice work. I like the shape and colour choice, that windscreen looks great.